US President Donald Trump has indicated that the recent talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky could lead to progress toward peace in the Ukraine conflict, with a potential summit possibly occurring soon. Trump highlighted the “very good” nature of the discussions and expressed cautious optimism about the prospects for a peace deal.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday, hours after US special envoy Steve Witkoff’s talks with Putin, Trump was asked to comment on a potential summit between the two leaders. “There is a very good prospect that they will, and we haven’t determined where, but we had some very good talks with President Putin today,” Trump said. “There is a good chance there could be a meeting very soon.”
When asked how close a peace deal could be, he declined to speculate. “I don’t want to say, I’ve been disappointed before,” the US president said, suggesting that past efforts to broker a deal have not met expectations.
Trump’s comments come amid ongoing tensions in Ukraine, where the conflict has dragged on for several months. While the US has remained a vocal supporter of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Trump’s remarks suggest a willingness to explore diplomacy, albeit with a cautious tone. The potential meeting between Putin and Zelensky has raised questions about the likelihood of a lasting peace agreement, particularly given the deepening divisions between the two nations.
The White House has not officially confirmed the details of the discussions or the timing of any potential meeting. However, Trump’s comments highlight the administration’s interest in pursuing diplomatic channels to resolve the conflict, even as it continues to provide military and humanitarian support to Ukraine. Analysts note that such talks could have significant implications for the future of the war, potentially leading to a ceasefire or a negotiated settlement. Nonetheless, the path to a lasting peace remains uncertain, with both sides facing complex domestic and international pressures.